Standard cell layout, semiconductor device having engineering change order (eco) cells and method

ABSTRACT

A layout of a standard cell is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and includes a first conductive pattern, a second conductive pattern, a plurality of active area patterns and a first central conductive pattern. The plurality of active area patterns is isolated from each other and arranged in a first row and a second row between the first and second conductive patterns. The first row is adjacent the first conductive pattern and includes a first active area pattern and a second active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns. The second row is adjacent the second conductive pattern and includes a third active area pattern and a fourth active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns. The first central conductive pattern is arranged between the first and second active area patterns. The first central conductive pattern overlaps the first conductive pattern.

BACKGROUND

For designing and manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs), standard cells are used. Such standard cells have pre-designed layouts and are stored in standard cell libraries.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example, and not by limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, wherein elements having the same reference numeral designations represent like elements throughout. The drawings are not to scale, unless otherwise disclosed.

FIG. 1A is a layout of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor structure of the ECO cell in the unprogrammed state of FIG. 1A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1C is a layout of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a layout of the ECO cell of FIG. 1A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor structure of the ECO cell in the programmed state of FIG. 2A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3A is a layout of the ECO cell of FIG. 1A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor structure of the ECO cell in the programmed state of FIG. 3A, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a layout of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a layout of the ECO cell of FIG. 4A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a layout of a portion of an array of ECO cells, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a layout of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a semiconductor device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the semiconductor device of FIG. 7A revised with one or more programmed ECO cells, in accordance with some embodiments

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. An inventive concept may; however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. It will be apparent, however, that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

Standard cells generally include functional cells and engineering change order (ECO) cells. A functional cell is pre-designed to have a specific function, e.g., a logic function. An ECO cell is pre-designed without a specific function, but is programmable to provide a specific function. To design an IC, the pre-designed layouts of one or more functional cells are read out from the standard cell libraries and placed into an initial IC layout. Routing is performed to connect the functional cells using one or more metal layers. The IC layout also includes one or more ECO cells which are not connected to the functional cells. When the IC layout is to be revised, one or more ECO cells are programed to provide an intended function and routed to the functional cells. The programing of the ECO cells involves modifications in several layers of the IC layout and/or masks for manufacturing the IC.

In some embodiments, a layout of a standard cell includes a plurality of active area patterns distributed on opposite sides of a central conductive pattern. The active area patterns are further disposed between a power line and a ground line. The central conductive pattern overlaps at least one of the power line and the ground line. In at least one embodiment, the standard cell is an ECO cell which is programmable by providing electrical connections (i) among the active area patterns and/or (ii) from one or more of the active area patterns to the power line and/or the ground line via the central conductive pattern. The programming involves modifying one or more layers, such as a VIA0 layer, which is the lowermost via layer in an IC, and an M1 layer which is the metal layer immediately above and electrically connected to the VIA0 layer. In some embodiments, only the M1 layer is modified to complete the programing. Because only the M1 layer is modified in at least one embodiment, or only the VIA0 layer and the M1 layer are modified in at least one embodiment, for programing ECO cells, the designing and/or manufacturing cost and time are reduced compared to situations where one or more layers other than the VIA0 layer and the M1 layer are additionally modified for programming ECO cells.

FIG. 1A is a layout 100 of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments. The layout 100 includes a first conductive pattern 111, a second conductive pattern 112, a plurality of active area patterns OD1 a, OD1 b, OD2 a, OD2 b, a plurality of conductive patterns MD-P1, MD-P2, MD-P3, MD-P4, MD-P5, MD-N1, MD-N2, MD-N3, MD-N4, MD-N5, MP1, MP2, a first conductive gate pattern Poly1, a second conductive gate pattern Poly2, a plurality of auxiliary conductive patterns PODE1 a 1, PODE1 a 2, PODE2 a 1, PODE2 a 1, PODE1 b 1, PODE1 b 2, PODE2 b 1, PODE2 b 1, a first via VIA0-P, a second via VIA0-N, and one or more isolation structures 115.

In some embodiments, the first conductive pattern 111 is a power line VDD and the second conductive pattern 112 is a ground line VSS for supplying power and ground voltages to the ECO cell when the ECO cell is programmed.

The active area patterns OD1 a, OD1 b, OD2 a and OD2 b are commonly referred to herein as “OD patterns,” i.e., oxide-definition (OD) patterns, and are schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “OD.” The OD patterns are configured to define active devices in the ECO cell. Examples of active devices include, but are not limited to, transistors and diodes. Examples of transistors include, but are not limited to, metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET), complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) transistors, bipolar junction transistors (BJT), high voltage transistors, high frequency transistors, p-channel and/or n-channel field effect transistors (PFETs/NFETs), or FinFETs, planar MOS transistors with raised source/drains.

The OD patterns are isolated from each other by the isolation structures 115. The OD patterns are arranged in a first row 116 and a second row 117 between the power line VDD and the ground line VSS. The first row 116 is adjacent the power line VDD and comprises the first active area pattern OD1 a and the second active area pattern OD2 a. The second row 117 is adjacent the ground line VSS and comprises the third active area pattern OD1 b and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b. In some embodiments, the first row 116 defines a P-region for forming p-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (PMOS) transistors in the first active area pattern OD1 a and second active area pattern OD2 a, and the second row 117 defines an N-region for forming n-channel metal-oxide semiconductor (NMOS) transistors in the third active area pattern OD1 b and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b. In at least one embodiment, the OD patterns are arranged symmetrically about a symmetrical axis Y of the ECO cell. Specifically, the first active area pattern OD1 a is arranged symmetrically with respect to second active area pattern OD2 a across the symmetrical axis Y, and the third active area pattern OD1 b is arranged symmetrically with respect to the fourth active area pattern OD2 b across the symmetrical axis Y. Examples of materials of the OD patterns include, but are not limited to, semiconductor materials doped with various types of p-dopants and/or n-dopants.

The first gate pattern Poly1 and the second gate pattern Poly2 are commonly referred to herein as “Poly patterns,” and are schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “Poly.” The Poly patterns are formed over the OD patterns and are configured to define, together with the OD patterns, active devices in the ECO cell. In at least one embodiment, the Poly patterns define gates of transistors formed on the OD patterns. The first gate pattern Poly1 extends continuously over the first active area pattern OD1 a and the third active area pattern OD1 b, and across the isolation structure 115 between the first active area pattern OD1 a and the third active area pattern OD1 b. The second gate pattern Poly2 extends continuously over the second active area pattern OD2 a and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b, and across the isolation structure 115 between the second active area pattern OD2 a and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b. The number of Poly patterns over each OD pattern indicates the number of transistors formed in the OD pattern. For example, in FIG. 1A, there is one Poly pattern, i.e., the first gate pattern Poly1, over the first active area pattern OD1 a which indicates that one transistor, e.g., a PMOS P1, is formed in the first active area pattern OD1 a. Similarly, there is one Poly pattern, i.e., the first gate pattern Poly1, over the third active area pattern OD1 b which indicates that one transistor, e.g., an NMOS N1, is formed in the third active area pattern OD1 b. The PMOS P1 and NMOS N1 formed by the first active area pattern OD1 a, the third active area pattern OD1 b and the first gate pattern Poly1 together define a first 1P1N (i.e., one-PMOS-one-NMOS) structure 118. A second 1P1N structure 119 is formed by the second active area pattern OD2 a, the fourth active area pattern OD2 b and the second gate pattern Poly2 and is symmetric with respect to the first 1P1N structure across the symmetrical axis Y. The ECO cell as described has a dual 1P1N structure. In some embodiments, the number of Poly patterns over each OD pattern is not limited to one, and is any positive integer number. In such embodiments, the ECO cell has a dual xPxN structure, where “x” indicates the number of Poly patterns over each OD pattern. Examples of materials of the Poly patterns include, but are not limited to, metal and polysilicon.

The auxiliary conductive patterns PODE1 a 1, PODE1 a 2, PODE2 a 1, PODE2 a 1, PODE1 b 1, PODE1 b 2, PODE2 b 1 and PODE2 b 1 are commonly referred to herein as “PODE patterns,” i.e., polysilicon-over-oxide-edge (PODE) patterns, and are schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “PODE.” The PODE patterns are formed over edges of the OD patterns. For example, the auxiliary conductive patterns PODE1 a 1 and PODE1 a 2 are formed over edges of the first active area pattern OD1 a. In at least one embodiment, the PODE patterns do not constitute any functional feature of one or more active devices formed in the corresponding OD pattern. In some embodiments, the PODE patterns are formed of the same material, by using the same mask, as the Poly patterns. In such embodiments, the Poly patterns and the PODE patterns are formed in the same layer, referred to herein as “Poly layer.”

The conductive patterns MD-P1, MD-P2, MD-P4, MD-P5, MD-N1, MD-N2, MD-N4, and MD-N5 are commonly referred to herein as “MD patterns” or “MOOD patterns,” i.e., metal-zero-over-oxide (MD or MOOD) patterns, and are schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “MD” or “MOOD.” The MD patterns are formed over the OD patterns to define electrical connections from the active devices formed in the OD patterns to outside circuitry. The MD patterns are arranged alternatively with the Poly patterns formed over the same OD pattern. For x number of Poly patterns formed over each OD pattern, there is (x+1) MD patterns formed over the same OD pattern. For example, for one Poly pattern, i.e., the first gate pattern Poly1, formed over the first active area pattern OD1 a, there are two MD patterns, i.e., the conductive patterns MD-P1 and MD-P2, formed over the first active area pattern OD1 a on opposite sides of the first gate pattern Poly1. In at least one embodiment, the MD patterns are formed of metal and belong to a first metal layer, referred to herein as “M0 layer,” i.e., metal-zero (M0) layer, which is the lowermost metal layer above the active devices of the ECO cell.

The conductive patterns MD-P3 and MD-N3 define a first central conductive pattern and a second central conductive pattern, respectively, and are commonly referred to herein as “central MD patterns.” In at least one embodiment, the central MD patterns are aligned with each other along the symmetrical axis Y, and the OD patterns are arranged symmetrically on opposite sides of the central MD patterns. The central MD patterns are not formed over the OD patterns, but are referred to herein as MD patterns, because the central MD patterns are formed of the same material, by using the same mask, e.g., an “MD mask,” as the other MD patterns. The first central conductive pattern MD-P3 overlaps the power line VDD and the second central conductive pattern MD-N3 overlaps the ground line VSS. The central MD patterns define electrical connections from the active devices of the programmed ECO cell to the power line VDD and ground line VSS. In FIG. 1A, the central MD patterns are shown as being above the power line VDD and the ground line VSS for convenience of illustration and description. In at least one embodiment, the central MD patterns are physically located below the power line VDD and the ground line VSS which are on a second metal layer. The second metal layer is a metal layer immediately above the M0 layer, is referred to herein as “M1 layer” or “Metal1 layer,” and is schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “Metal1” or “M1.”

The first via VIA0-P electrically connects the first central conductive pattern MD-P3 to the power line VDD, and the second via VIA0-N electrically connects the second central conductive pattern MD-N3 to the ground line VSS. The first via VIA0-P and the second via VIA0-N belong to a VIA0 layer (schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “VIA0”) which is the lowermost via layer above the active devices of the ECO cell. The VIA0 layer is configured to provide via connections between the M0 layer and the M1 layer. In at least one embodiment, the first via VIA0-P and second via VIA0-N are omitted from the layout 100 of the ECO cell in the unprogrammed state, and are included when the ECO cell is programmed.

The conductive patterns MP1 and MP2 are commonly referred to herein as “MP patterns” or “M0OP patterns,” i.e., metal-zero-over-polysilicon (MP or M0OP) patterns, and are schematically illustrated in the drawings with the label “MP.” Each of the MP patterns is formed over and in electrical contact with a corresponding one of the Poly patterns. For example, the conductive pattern MP1 is formed over and in electrical contact with the first gate pattern Poly1, and the conductive pattern MP2 is formed over and in electrical contact with the second gate pattern Poly2. The MP patterns are formed over the isolation structure 115 between the first row 116 (i.e., the P-region) and the second row 117 (i.e., the N-region). The MP patterns define electrical connections from the Poly patterns in the active devices of the programmed ECO cell to outside circuitry. In at least one embodiment, the MP patterns are formed of metal and belong to the M0 layer.

In some embodiments, the Poly layer, the M0 layer, the VIA0 layer and the M1 layer of the ECO cell correspond to the Poly layer, the M0 layer, the VIA0 layer and the M1 layer of functional cells to be formed in the same IC.

In some embodiments, the MD patterns in the layout of an ECO cell extend continuously across the isolation structure between rows of OD patterns. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C, which is a layout 100C of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state in accordance with some embodiments, the conductive pattern MD-P1 is continuous with the conductive pattern MD-N1 to define a continuous MD pattern MD-1 extending continuously over the first active area pattern OD1 a and the third active area pattern OD1 b. Similarly, the conductive pattern MD-P2 is continuous with the conductive pattern MD-N2, the conductive pattern MD-P3 is continuous with the conductive pattern MD-N3, the conductive pattern MD-P4 is continuous with the conductive pattern MD-N4, and the conductive pattern MD-P5 is continuous with the conductive pattern MD-N5 to define continuous MD patterns MD-2, MD-3, MD-4, and MD-5, respectively. The layout 100 of the ECO cell further includes a mask, referred to herein as “MDcut mask,” with a mask section MD-cut-2 for removing portions of the continuous MD patterns MD-1 to MD-5 that extend over the isolation structure 115 between the first row 116 and the second row 117. As a result, when the layout 100C is used to manufacture an IC having an ECO cell according to the layout 100C, the manufactured ECO cell will still have the structure as described with respect to FIG. 1A. In at least one embodiment, the continuous MD patterns MD-1 to MD-5 further overlap the power line VDD and/or ground line VSS. For example, the continuous MD patterns MD-1 and MD-2 further extend to overlap the power line VDD and/or the ground line VSS. The MDcut mask further includes mask sections MD-cut-1 a and MD-cut-3 a for removing overlapping portions of the continuous MD patterns MD-1 and MD-2 with the power line VDD and ground line VSS. Similarly, the continuous MD patterns MD-4 and MD-5 further extend to overlap the power line VDD and/or the ground line VSS. The MDcut mask further includes mask sections MD-cut-1 b and MD-cut-3 b for removing overlapping portions of the continuous MD patterns MD-4 and MD-5 with the power line VDD and ground line VSS. The formation of continuous MD patterns extending across multiple rows of active area patterns and the subsequent removal of the MD pattern portions between the rows or overlapping the power line VDD or ground line VSS provide higher manufacturing yield than when MD patterns are directly manufactured in the form shown and described with respect to FIG. 1A. In at least one embodiment, the formation of an ECO cell using the layout 100C permits the corresponding conductive patterns MD-P and MD-N, e.g., the conductive patterns MD-P1 and MD-N1, to be formed at a closer spacing in between than when the layout 100 is used.

In some embodiments, the layout 100 (or 100C) is provided, e.g., as a set of masks, in a standard cell library stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A circuit designer accesses the standard cell library and retrieves the layout 100 (100C) to be placed in the layout of an IC to be designed and manufactured. A semiconductor structure of the manufactured ECO cell in the unprogrammed state has a schematic top view as described with respect to FIG. 1A. A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the semiconductor structure of the manufactured ECO cell in the unprogrammed is showed in FIG. 1B, in accordance with some embodiments.

A semiconductor structure 120 in FIG. 1B includes the PMOS P1 formed over the first active area pattern OD1 a. The first active area pattern OD1 a is formed over a semiconductor substrate 121, and includes a source region 122, a drain region 123, and a channel region 124 between the source region 122 and drain region 123. A gate 125 is formed over the channel region 124. The gate 125 is defined by the first gate pattern Poly1. The source region 122, the drain region 123, the channel region 124 and the gate 125 together define an active device, i.e., the PMOS P1. In at least one embodiment, spacers 126, 127 are formed on opposite sides of the gate 125. A dielectric layer 128 is formed over the active device and the spacers 126, 127.

Conductive patterns are formed above the active device to provide electrical connections to the active device. Specifically, the conductive pattern MP1, i.e., an MP pattern, is formed in the dielectric layer 128 to provide electrical connection to the gate 125. Specifically, the conductive pattern MP1 is disposed above and in electrical contact with the first gate pattern Poly1 defining the gate 125. The conductive patterns MD-P1 (not shown in FIG. 1B) and MD-P2, i.e., MD patterns, are formed in the dielectric layer 128 to provide electrical connections to the corresponding source region 122 and drain region 123. In at least one embodiment, the MD patterns are formed in two steps, including a first step of forming a lower portion of the MD patterns co-elevational with the gate 125, and a second step of forming an upper portion of the MD patterns, together with the MP patterns, and above the gate 125. In at least one embodiment, the MD patterns are formed in one step. Both the MP patterns and the MD patterns belong to the M0 layer. The layout 100 includes one or more masks for forming the MP patterns and the MD patterns in the M0 layer.

A dielectric layer 129 is formed over the dielectric layer 128 with the MP and MD patterns formed therein. One or more vias are formed in the dielectric layer 129 to provide electrical connections to the MP and MD patterns, and then to the active device. For example, the first via VIA0-P is formed in the dielectric layer 129 to provide electrical connection to the underlying first central conductive pattern MD-P3 (not shown in FIG. 1B). The first central conductive pattern MD-P3 is not electrically connected to the MP and MD patterns corresponding to the active device when the ECO cell is in the unprogrammed state. The M1 layer is formed over the dielectric layer 129 with one or more vias formed therein. The M1 layer includes the power line VDD and ground line VSS (not shown in FIG. 1B).

FIG. 2A is a layout 200 of the ECO cell of FIG. 1A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the ECO cell is programmed as an inverter. However, the ECO cell is programmable to perform other functions in various embodiments. In some embodiments, more than one ECO cells are connected and programmed together to define more complex circuitry.

The inverter in the programmed ECO cell includes a PMOS transistor P1 formed in the first active area pattern OD1 a and an NMOS transistor N1 formed in the third active area pattern OD1 b. The gates of the PMOS transistor P1 and NMOS transistor N1 are connected together and define an input of the inverter. The source region of the PMOS transistor P1 and the drain region of the NMOS transistor N1 are electrically connected together and define an output of the inverter. The source region of the NMOS transistor N1 is electrically connected to ground line VSS, and the drain region of the PMOS transistor P1 is electrically connected to the power line VDD to provide power to the inverter in operation.

The above-described electrical connections are provide by modifying the M1 layer to include a plurality of connection patterns 201˜204, and the VIA0 layer to include a plurality of vias 211˜217. Specifically, the gates of the PMOS transistor P1 and NMOS transistor N1 are defined by the first gate pattern Poly1, and are already connected with each other. The via 213 is formed above and in electrical contact with the conductive pattern MP1 which, in turn, is in electrical contact with the first gate pattern Poly1. The connection pattern 203 is formed above and in electrical contact with the via 213. The connection pattern 203 defines the input of the inverter. Further routing is formed to electrically connect the connection pattern 203 to outside circuitry.

The source region of the PMOS transistor P1 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern MD-P1, the via 211, the connection pattern 201, the via 212 and the conductive pattern MD-N1 to the drain region of the NMOS transistor N1. The via 211 is formed above and in electrical contact with the conductive pattern MD-P1, the via 212 is formed above and in electrical contact with the conductive pattern MD-N1, and the connection pattern 201 is formed above and in electrical contact with both the via 211 and the via 212. The connection pattern 201 defines the output of the inverter. Further routing is formed to electrically connect the connection pattern 201 to outside circuitry.

The source region of the NMOS transistor N1 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern MD-N2, the via 217, the connection pattern 204, the via 216, the second central conductive pattern MD-N3 and the second via VIA0-N to the ground line VSS. The via 217 is formed above and in electrical contact with the conductive pattern MD-N2, the via 216 is formed above and in electrical contact with the second central conductive pattern MD-N3, and the connection pattern 204 is formed above and in electrical contact with both the via 216 and the via 217.

The drain region of the PMOS transistor P1 is electrically connected by the conductive pattern MD-P2, the via 215, the connection pattern 202, the via 214, the first central conductive pattern MD-P3 and the first via VIA0-P to the power line VDD. The via 215 is formed above and in electrical contact with the conductive pattern MD-P2, the via 214 is formed above and in electrical contact with the first central conductive pattern MD-P3, and the connection pattern 202 is formed above and in electrical contact with both the via 214 and the via 215.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first 1P1N structure 118 of the ECO cell is programmed to define an inverter, whereas the second 1P1N structure 119 remains unused while occupying a chip area in the IC to be manufactured. However, such a loss of useful chip area is tolerable given that all ECO cells in an IC occupy a small area of about 5-10 percent of the total chip area.

FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor structure 220 of the programed ECO cell of FIG. 2A. The semiconductor structure 220 in FIG. 2B includes the PMOS transistor P1 formed over the first active area pattern OD1 a. Compared to the semiconductor structure 120 in FIG. 1B, the semiconductor structure 220 additionally includes the vias 213 and 215 in the VIA0 layer, and the connection patterns 202, 203 in the M1 layer. The via 213 and the connection pattern 203 provide electrical connection to the gate 125 through the conductive pattern MP1. The via 215 and the connection pattern 202 provide power from the power line VDD to drain region drain region 123 of the PMOS transistor P1 through the conductive pattern MD-P2 on one side, and through the first via VIA0-P, the first central conductive pattern MD-P3 and the via 214 on the other side.

By modifying only two layers, i.e., the M1 layer and the VIA0 layer, it is possible in some embodiments to program one or more ECO cells to provide a specific function.

FIG. 3A is a layout 300 of the ECO cell of FIG. 1A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3A, the ECO cell is programmed as an inverter with the electrical connections as described with respect to FIG. 2A. A difference between the layout 300 and the layout 200 is the replacement of the vias 214, 215 and the connection pattern 202 in the layout 200 of FIG. 2A with a conductive pattern MP3 in layout 300 of FIG. 3A. The conductive pattern MP3 is an MP pattern which belongs to the M0 layer. The conductive pattern MP3 electrically connects the conductive pattern MD-P2 to the first central conductive pattern MD-P3. Similarly, an MP pattern (not shown), which belongs to the M0 layer, electrically connects the conductive pattern MD-N2 to the second central conductive pattern MD-N3

FIG. 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a semiconductor structure 320 of the programmed ECO cell of FIG. 3A. The semiconductor structure 320 includes the conductive pattern MP3 extending from the upper portion of the conductive pattern MD-P2 outwardly to come into electrical connection with the first central conductive pattern MD-P3 (not shown in FIG. 3B).

The programing of the ECO cell in accordance with the layout 300 includes modifying not only the M1 layer and VIA0 layer, but also the MP patterns in the M0 layer. Compared to the programing of the ECO cell in accordance with the layout 200, the layout 300 includes modifications of an additional mask, i.e., the mask for forming the MP patterns in the M0 layer. However, in some embodiments, it is useful to modify an additional layer, such as the M0 layer. For example, when the M1 layer and/or the VIA0 layer is/are so crowded that the addition of vias, such as the vias 214, 215, and/or connection patterns, such as the connection pattern 202, would run the risk of causing the layout to fail a design rule, such a risk is avoidable by modifying the M0 layer to provide electrical connections that would otherwise be included in the crowded M1 layer and/or VIA0 layer.

FIG. 4A is a layout 400 of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments. Compared to the layout 100, the layout 400 additionally includes a plurality of vias 411, 412, 413, 414˜419, 421, 422 and 423 each formed on one of the MD patterns. When an ECO cell is manufactured in accordance with the layout 400, the vias 411, 412, 413, 414˜419, 421, 422 and 423 are included in the manufactured ECO cell, regardless of whether the vias will be used for forming electrical connections to the ECO cell.

FIG. 4B is a layout 430 of the ECO cell of FIG. 4A in a programmed state, in accordance with some embodiments. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4B, the ECO cell is programmed as an inverter with the electrical connections as described with respect to FIG. 2A. Specifically, the electrical connections in the layout 430 in FIG. 4B are defined by a plurality of connection patterns 401˜404 in the M1 layer, and the vias 411˜417 in the VIA0 layer. The connection patterns 401˜404 and the vias 411˜417 in the layout 430 correspond to the connection patterns 201˜204 and the vias 211˜217 in the layout 200.

In some embodiments, because all of the VIA0 layer vias for making electrical connections to the programed ECO cell are pre-designed in the layout 400 of the unprogrammed ECO cell, the programing of the ECO cell according to the layout 430 involves only modifying the M1 layer to include the connection patterns 401˜404, which reduces the design revision time and cost. However, the pre-designed vias 411˜417 have affixed positions which limit flexibility in placing and/or routing the connection patterns 401˜404. Such a limited flexibility is less likely a concern when the VIA0 layer vias (except for the first via VIA0-P and the second via VIA0-N) for making electrical connections to the programed ECO cell are not pre-designed, as described with respect to the layout 100. In some embodiments, various types of ECO cell layouts (such as the layout 100 and layout 400) are provided in standard cell libraries to permit the circuit designer to select an ECO cell layout based on his or her design considerations. For example, the layout 100 is selected when design flexibility is a consideration, whereas the layout 400 is selected when the design revision time and/or cost is a consideration.

FIG. 5 is a layout of a portion of an array 500 of ECO cells, in accordance with some embodiments. The array 500 includes a plurality of ECO cells arranged side-by-side in one or more rows and/or one or more columns. FIG. 5 shows two adjacent ECO cells 531, 532 in the unprogrammed state. The ECO cells 531, 532 have the same layout, such as the layout 100 described with respect to FIG. 1A. The array 500 further includes a plurality of additional MD patterns 541, 542, 543 formed on the boundaries between adjacent ECO cells. In some embodiments, the additional MD patterns 541, 542, 543 are used to program one or more of the ECO cells in the array 500, and/or to route one or more of the programmed ECO cells in the array 500 to outside circuitry.

FIG. 6 is a layout 600 of an ECO cell in an unprogrammed state, in accordance with some embodiments. Compared to the layout 100 which has a dual 1P1N structure, the layout 600 has a dual 2P2N structure. Specifically, there are two Poly patterns formed over each of the OD pattern in the layout 600. For example, two gate patterns Poly_1 a and Poly_1 b are formed over each of the first active area pattern OD1 a and third active area pattern OD1 b. Similarly, two gate patterns Poly_2 a and Poly_2 b are formed over each of the second active area pattern OD2 a and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b. In addition, three MD patterns (rather than two MD patterns as in the layout 100) are formed over each of the OD patterns in an alternating arrangement with respect to the Poly patterns. For example, three conductive patterns MD-P1, MD-P2 and MD-P6 are alternatingly arranged with respect to two gate patterns Poly_1 a and Poly_1 b over the first active area pattern OD1 a. Similarly, three conductive patterns MD-N1, MD-N2 and MD-N6 are alternatingly arranged with respect to two gate patterns Poly_1 a and Poly_1 b over the third active area pattern OD1 b. As a result, two NMOS transistors are formed in the first active area pattern OD1 a and two PMOS transistors are formed in the third active area pattern OD1 b. The two PMOS transistors and two NMOS transistors together define a first 2P2N structure 618. A second 2P2N structure 619 is formed in the second active area pattern OD2 a and the fourth active area pattern OD2 b, and is symmetric with respect to the first 2P2N structure across the central MD patterns MD-P3, MD-N3.

FIG. 7A is a schematic view of a semiconductor device 700, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 7B is a schematic view of the semiconductor device 700 with one or more programmed ECO cells, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8 is a flow chart of a method 800 of designing or manufacturing a semiconductor device, in accordance with some embodiments. The following description of the method of FIG. 8 will be made with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B.

At operation 805, a semiconductor device is designed or manufactured. For example, a semiconductor device 700 as shown in FIG. 7A is designed or manufactured. The semiconductor device 700 includes an IC formed on a substrate 721. The IC includes a functional circuit 750 and an array 760 of ECO cells. The functional circuit 750 is configured to provide a functionality of the IC. In at least one embodiment, the functional circuit 750 includes one or more functional cells having pre-designed layouts provided in standard cell libraries. In at least one embodiment, the array 760 includes a plurality of ECO cells, as described with respect to FIG. 5. The ECO cells have one or more pre-designed layouts, as described with respect to FIGS. 1A, 4A and 6. In an initial design of the IC, the ECO cells are unprogrammed and/or not connected (or routed) to the functional circuit 750.

At operation 815, a functional circuit of the designed or manufactured semiconductor device is tested. For example, in at least one embodiment, the functional circuit 750 of the semiconductor device 700 is tested, e.g., by one or more simulations, and checked against a plurality of design rules and/or the intended specification of the IC. In at least one embodiment, a test IC is manufactured based on the initial design and then the manufactured IC is tested. Based on the test results of the designed and/or the manufactured IC, a determination is made as to whether the design is to be revised.

At operation 825, if the test results indicate that the design is to be revised, one or more ECO cells in the IC are programed and routed to the functional circuit. For example, if the design is to be revised to replace a failed circuit 752 (shown in FIG. 7B), one or more ECO cells 766 in the array 760 is/are programed to provide the function of the failed circuit 752. Routing 773 is then performed to electrically connect the programmed ECO cells 766 to the functional circuit 750 for replacing the failed circuit 752. In at least one embodiment, ECO cells in the array 760 are programmed and routed to modify, rather than replace, a circuit (which is not necessarily failed) in the functional circuit 750. In at least one embodiment, ECO cells in the array 760 are programmed and routed to add a new circuit to the functional circuit 750. In some embodiments, the revised design of the IC and/or an IC manufactured based on the revised design are tested to determine whether further revisions are to be made. In at least one embodiment, the process repeats until determination is made that the IC is to be re-designed or that the revised design of the IC is satisfactory for mass manufacture.

The above methods include example operations, but they are not necessarily required to be performed in the order shown. Operations may be added, replaced, changed order, and/or eliminated as appropriate, in accordance with the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Embodiments that combine different features and/or different embodiments are within the scope of the disclosure and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing this disclosure.

In some embodiments, one or more operations of the method 800 is/are performed by one or more computer systems. For example, one or more of the operations of designing an IC, simulating a design of the IC, programming ECO cells, and routing the programmed ECO cells to a functional circuit of the IC are performed by one or more computer systems.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a computer system 900, in accordance with some embodiments. The computer system 900 comprises a processor 901, a memory 902, a network interface (I/F) 906, a storage 310, an input/output (I/O) device 908, and one or more hardware components 918 communicatively coupled via a bus 904 or other interconnection communication mechanism.

The memory 902 comprises, in some embodiments, a random access memory (RAM) and/or other dynamic storage device and/or read only memory (ROM) and/or other static storage device, coupled to the bus 904 for storing data and/or instructions to be executed by the processor 901, e.g., kernel 914, userspace 916, portions of the kernel and/or the userspace, and components thereof. The memory 902 is also used, in some embodiments, for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by the processor 901.

In some embodiments, a storage device 910, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is coupled to the bus 904 for storing data and/or instructions, e.g., kernel 914, userspace 916, etc. The I/O device 908 comprises an input device, an output device and/or a combined input/output device for enabling user interaction with the system 900. An input device comprises, for example, a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and/or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to the processor 901. An output device comprises, for example, a display, a printer, a voice synthesizer, etc. for communicating information to a user.

In some embodiments, the processes or functionality described herein are realized by a processor, e.g., the processor 901, which is programmed for performing such processes. One or more of the memory 902, the I/F 906, the storage 310, the I/O device 908, the hardware components 918, and the bus 904 is/are operable to receive instructions, data, design rules and/or other parameters for processing by the processor 901. For example, various layouts of ECO cells are provided in a standard cell library stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as the storage device 910, for access by the processor 901. In some embodiments, one or more of the processes or functionality is/are performed by specifically configured hardware (e.g., by one or more application specific integrated circuits or ASIC(s)) which is/are included) separate from or in lieu of the processor. Some embodiments incorporate more than one of the described processes in a single ASIC.

In some embodiments, the processes are realized as functions of a program stored in a non-transitory computer readable recording medium. Examples of a non-transitory computer readable recording medium include, but are not limited to, external/removable and/or internal/built-in storage or memory unit, e.g., one or more of an optical disk, such as a DVD, a magnetic disk, such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory, such as a ROM, a RAM, a memory card, and the like.

According to some embodiments, a layout of a standard cell is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The layout comprises a first conductive pattern, a second conductive pattern, a plurality of active area patterns and a first central conductive pattern. The plurality of active area patterns is isolated from each other and arranged in a first row and a second row between the first and second conductive patterns. The first row is adjacent the first conductive pattern and comprises a first active area pattern and a second active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns. The second row is adjacent the second conductive pattern and comprises a third active area pattern and a fourth active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns. The first central conductive pattern is arranged between the first and second active area patterns. The first central conductive pattern overlaps the first conductive pattern.

According to some embodiments, a semiconductor device comprises an array of Engineering Change Order (ECO) cells. Each of the ECO cells in the array comprises a first metal pattern, a second metal pattern, a plurality of active area patterns isolated from each other and arranged between the first and second metal patterns, and a first central metal pattern overlapping the first metal pattern. The plurality of active area patterns is arranged symmetrically about the first central metal pattern.

In a method in accordance with some embodiments, a semiconductor device is designed to manufactured. The semiconductor device comprises a functional circuit, and at least one Engineering Change Order (ECO) cell in an unprogrammed state. The at least one ECO cell comprises a plurality of transistors arranged symmetrically about a symmetrical axis, and a first and a second central metal patterns along the symmetrical axis. The first and second central metal patterns overlap and are electrically connected to a power line and a ground line, respectively. The functional circuit of the semiconductor device is tested. Based on a result of the testing, the at least one ECO cell is programmed, and the programmed ECO cell is routed to the functional circuit.

It will be readily seen by one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of the disclosed embodiments fulfill one or more of the advantages set forth above. After reading the foregoing specification, one of ordinary skill will be able to affect various changes, substitutions of equivalents and various other embodiments as broadly disclosed herein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted hereon be limited only by the definition contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof. 

1. A layout of a standard cell, the layout stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and comprising: a first conductive pattern; a second conductive pattern; a plurality of active area patterns isolated from each other and arranged in a first row and a second row between the first and second conductive patterns, the first row adjacent the first conductive pattern and comprising a first active area pattern and a second active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns, and the second row adjacent the second conductive pattern and comprising a third active area pattern and a fourth active area pattern among the plurality of active area patterns; and a first central conductive pattern arranged between the first and second active area patterns, the first central conductive pattern overlapping the first conductive pattern.
 2. The layout of claim 1, further comprising: a second central conductive pattern arranged between the third and fourth active area patterns, the second central conductive pattern overlapping the second conductive pattern.
 3. The layout of claim 2, wherein the second central conductive pattern is isolated from the first central conductive pattern.
 4. The layout of claim 2, wherein the first and second central conductive patterns are arranged along a symmetric axis of the standard cell.
 5. The layout of claim 1, further comprising: for each of the plurality of active area patterns, at least one conductive gate pattern overlapping the active area pattern.
 6. The layout of claim 5, wherein the at least one conductive gate pattern overlapping the first active area pattern and the at least one conductive gate pattern overlapping the third active area pattern are continuous with each other and define a first common conductive gate pattern overlapping both the first and third active area patterns, and the at least one conductive gate pattern overlapping the second active area pattern and the at least one conductive gate pattern overlapping the fourth active area pattern are continuous with each other and define a second common conductive gate pattern overlapping both the second and fourth active area patterns.
 7. The layout of claim 5, further comprising: for each of the plurality of active area patterns, two additional conductive patterns overlapping the active area pattern and arranged on opposite sides of the corresponding at least one conductive gate pattern, wherein the additional conductive patterns and the first central conductive pattern belong to a first conductive layer in the layout, and the additional conductive patterns do not overlap the first and second conductive patterns.
 8. The layout of claim 7, wherein the first and second conductive patterns belong to a second conductive layer above the first conductive layer; the layout further comprising: a via layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers, the via layer comprising at least one via electrically connecting the first central conductive pattern with the first conductive pattern.
 9. The layout of claim 8, wherein the via layer further comprises a plurality of vias each electrically connected with one of the additional conductive patterns.
 10. The layout of claim 1, further comprising: for each of the plurality of active area patterns, more than one conductive gate patterns overlapping the active area pattern. 11-20. (canceled)
 21. A layout of a standard cell, the layout stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and comprising: a first conductive pattern; a second conductive pattern; a plurality of active area patterns isolated from each other and arranged between the first and second conductive patterns; and a first central conductive pattern overlapping the first conductive pattern, the first central conductive pattern along a reference axis, wherein the plurality of active area patterns is arranged symmetrically about the reference axis.
 22. The layout of claim 21, further comprising a second central conductive pattern aligned with the first central conductive pattern along the reference axis and overlapping the second conductive pattern.
 23. The layout of claim 22, further comprising a polysilicon pattern overlapping the active area pattern; and two additional conductive patterns overlapping the active area pattern and arranged on opposite sides of the polysilicon pattern, wherein the additional conductive patterns and the first and second central conductive patterns corresponding to forming conductive structures of a first conductive layer, and the first and second conductive patterns corresponding to forming conductive structures of a second conductive layer above the first metal layer.
 24. The layout of claim 23, further comprising via layout patterns corresponding to a via layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers, the via layer comprising at least one of a first via electrically connecting the conductive structure corresponding to the first central conductive pattern with the conductive structure corresponding to the first conductive pattern, a second via electrically connecting the conductive structure corresponding to the second conductive metal pattern with the conductive structure corresponding to the second conductive pattern, and a plurality of vias each electrically connected with the conductive structure corresponding to one of the additional conductive patterns.
 25. The layout of claim 24, wherein at least one of the cells is in an unprogrammed state in which the conductive structure corresponding to the polysilicon patterns and the conductive structure corresponding to the additional conductive patterns are electrically isolated from the conductive structures corresponding to the first and second metal patterns and first and second central metal patterns.
 26. The layout of claim 24, wherein at least one of the cells is in a programmed state in which the conductive structure corresponding to the polysilicon patterns is electrically connected with at least one of the first and second conductive patterns and first and second central conductive patterns, through one or more vias in the via layer and one or more connection conductive patterns in the second conductive layer.
 27. A layout of a standard cell, the layout stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium and comprising: a first conductive pattern; a second conductive pattern; a plurality of active area patterns isolated from each other and arranged between the first and second conductive patterns; a first central conductive pattern arranged between a first active area pattern and a second active area pattern of the plurality of active area patterns, the first central conductive pattern overlapping the first conductive pattern; and a second central conductive pattern arranged between a third active area pattern and a fourth active area patterns of the plurality of active area patterns, the second central conductive pattern overlapping the second conductive pattern.
 28. The layout of claim 27, wherein the second central conductive pattern is isolated from the first central conductive pattern.
 29. The layout of claim 27, wherein the first and second central conductive patterns are arranged along a symmetric axis of the standard cell.
 30. The layout of claim 27, wherein the plurality of active area patterns comprise oxide-definition (OD) patterns. 